Connecticut Office of Early Childhood

08/04/2026

07/14/2026

📢 New time beginning this month!

Based on feedback from families and caregivers, our Parent, Infant & Early Childhood (PIEC) team is moving the Pyramid Practice Lunch & Learn to a new time that better aligns with toddler and preschool nap/rest schedules.

Join us Thursday next week to explore practical strategies for supporting young children's social and emotional development through play.

🖥️ July Pyramid Model Practice Lunch & Learn
📅 Thursday, July 23 | 1:30–2:30 PM ET
🎟️ Register: s.uconn.edu/piec-7-23
✳️ Already registered? No action needed—your registration will automatically transfer!

Connecticut Office of Early Childhood

07/01/2026

The Office of Early Childhood is excited to share that Governor Ned Lamont is directing $411.7 million in state surplus funding into the Connecticut Early Childhood Education Endowment; the endowment’s total value is now more than $700 million. The Endowment will expand child care spaces statewide, make care more affordable for families, support early childhood educator compensation, strengthen program quality, and expand access, among other initiatives. This new funding will help make all of these goals even more possible.

The endowment is administered by the State Treasurer’s office under the leadership of State Treasurer Erick Russell. The fund is guided by an advisory board, tri-chaired by OEC Commissioner Elena Trueworthy, Rep. Kate Farrar, and Sen. Ceci Maher, responsible for helping ensure investments advance the goals of affordability, access, quality, workforce stability, and long-term sustainability.

For more information, read the press release here: https://portal.ct.gov/governor/news/press-releases/2026/06-2026/governor-lamont-directs-surplus-funds-deposited-into-the-early-childhood-education-endowment?language=en_US

06/30/2026

Elevate, CT’s quality improvement system has 3 levels of engagement: Member, Member+, and Member Accredited.

Learn more about Elevate levels 🔗👇https://www.ctoec.org/elevate/membership/.

Requirements and role responsibilities Members of the Parent Cabinet must: As part of their responsibilities, they spend around 72 hours per year on their work : How are members chosen? OEC creates a selection committee — composed of an OEC staff member, parent leader, and community leader — to...

06/25/2026

Play is important for your child’s health and overall development. Running, jumping, and climbing outdoors with your preschooler is a great way to help them take safe risks with movement to improve their motor skills.

Find more ideas for playful learning to engage your child’s learning: ctoec.org/play🤸‍♂️

Play is good for everyone! It helps young brains grow and supports children to learn about themselves, their families and communities, and the broader world. Get involved! When adults support — and join in —children’s play, they can make a big difference in brain development. You can: By takin...

06/23/2026

Yesterday, OEC Commissioner Elena Trueworthy attended the launch of Camp Sparkler, a summer-based part of the Sparkler app for families of children 0-5 years old. The Commissioner read to children on the first day of Camp Sparkler, showcasing how social and emotional learning can continue in fun-filled ways all summer long. Families can play their way through 10 weeks of FREE camp through their phones and tablets. A new “big idea” will be introduced weekly from our friends at Sparkler Learning, offering related songs, play activities, picture books, and more to explore together.

Open your Sparkler app or visit playsparkler.org/campsparkler2026 to learn more.

06/23/2026

06/22/2026

Today's the opening day of Camp Sparkler. ☀️ It's another fun-filled summer of growing & learning for families with children 0-5 years old! 👶✨

Starting today, families can play their way through 10 weeks of FREE, virtual camp by our friends at Sparkler and Tune Up Sparkler to explore topics related to social and emotional learning: from being flexible to calming down!

Each week, families will get introduced to a new “big idea” from our friends at Sparkler Learning and then they’ll find related songs, play activities, picture books, and more in the Sparkler app to explore together. 📚🎶

Open your Sparkler app or visit playsparkler.org/campsparkler2026 to learn more.

10 weeks of free, virtual camp in the Sparkler app for families with kids 0-5 years old!

06/21/2026

We see all you dads out there! Father’s Day is a time to let all the fathers and father figures in your life know how much they mean to you. 💙

Whether you treat him to a nice dinner or spend quality time at home watching the game, don’t forget to show your special dad some love today.

06/19/2026

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, doesn’t just celebrate the end of slavery in our nation – it celebrates the importance of liberty, justice, and Black history. Today is a great opportunity to honor this holiday and the positive change it represents for Black communities across America.